The state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
announced Monday that 1,405 individuals or businesses have applied
to grow hemp in 2019, including 1,244 first-timers. The agency has
received 692 processor applications, including 636 first-timers.

The deadline for online and emailed applications was Friday. DATCP
is still accepting mail applications if they were postmarked by
Friday.

Then-Gov. Scott Walker signed a bill in November 2017 that allowed
growing and processing hemp. DATCP issued 247 grower licenses and
100 processor licenses in 2018. The agency says production totals
aren't available yet.